Rapid on-site identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes using person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-part 1: air sampling and analysis

Abstract

Recent advancements in person-portable instrumentation have resulted in the potential to provide contemporaneous results through rapid in-field analyses. These technologies can be utilised in emergency response scenarios to aid first responders in appropriate site risk assessment and management. Large metropolitan fires can pose great risk to human and environmental health due to the rapid release of hazardous compounds into the atmosphere. Understanding the release of these hazardous organics is critical in understanding their associated risks. Person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was evaluated for its potential to provide rapid on-site analysis for real-time monitoring of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes. Air sampling and analysis methods were developed for scenes of this nature. Controlled field testing demonstrated that the portable GC-MS was able to provide preliminary analytical results on the volatile organic compounds present in air samples collected from both active and extinguished fires. In-field results were confirmed using conventional laboratory-based air sampling and analysis procedures. The deployment of portable instrumentation could provide first responders with a rapid on-site assessment tool for the appropriate management of scenes, thereby ensuring environmental and human health is proactively protected and scientifically informed decisions are made for the provision of timely advice to stakeholders.

Keywords: Forensic sciences; air pollution; field analysis; fire; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; needle trap; portable GC-MS; volatile organic compounds.

Figure 1.

Schematic of experimental set-up.

Figure 2.

Representative chromatograms generated using the T-9 Portable GC-MS of air samples collected during fire using the NT during material burns: (A) particle board, (B) melamine coated particle board, (C) laminated wood, (D) carpet, (E) rubber and (F) underlay. TIC: total ion current.

Figure 3.

Representative chromatograms generated using the T-9 Portable GC-MS of air samples collected after extinguishment using the NT after material burns: (A) particle board, (B) melamine coated particle board, (C) laminated wood, (D) carpet, (E) rubber and (F) underlay. TIC: total ion current.

Figure 4.

Representative background chromatograms of air samples collected from paper and cardboard burns 1 min after the fuel had self-extinguished. The air sample collected at this time point is reflective of the background that would be present during the individual material burns: (A) highest and (B) lowest background signal observed. TIC: total ion current.

Figure 5.

Representative chromatograms generated using an air analysis system of air samples collected during material burns: (A) particle board, (B) melamine coated particle board, (C) laminated wood, (D) carpet, (E) rubber and (F) underlay. TIC: total ion current.